A 41-year-old south Armagh man has appeared in court following the seizure of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of £200,000.
Ryan Morgan, from Cregganduff Road, Cullyhanna, is accused of possessing and intending to supply cocaine as well as possessing criminal property.
It is further alleged he was in possession of cash sums of £44,090 and €7,970.
The seizure was made, following the stop and search of a vehicle in the Omagh Road area of Dungannon yesterday (Tuesday) March 19.
He appeared by video-link from police custody before Dungannon Magistrates’ Court speaking only to confirm his identity and that he understood the charges.
A detective attached to the PSNI Organised Crime Branch said the charges could be connected.
A defence solicitor informed the court there would be no application for bail at this stage as there are a number of matters he wishes to explore in terms of conditions and a surety.
However, he said Morgan “provided a full account to the effect he was put under duress by a criminal gang”.
And defence continued: “He provided his PIN codes to allow police to interrogate his phones and has given full access to his financial situations and accounts. This is to allow them to investigate the very considerable debt he is in. It is hoped when these have been examined he may be in a position to put his best foot forward in applying for bail.”
He added: “A £10,000 surety is available and police are required to check the provenance of this.”
In the meantime the detective advised bail will be strongly opposed, stressing Morgan, “was cooperative in the sense he gave an account and PIN code to one phone. He said the other phone was provided to him and didn’t have a code. He would be contacted on it with arrangements to be made.”
Morgan was remanded in custody to appear again by video-link on March 27.
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